How about a GF2? Small size? Check. Video? Check. The GH13 hack will make the video exceptional. EVF capable? Check. Albeit the LVF1. Flash? Check.

How much in a hurry are you? You can get this used in the $200-$300 range on ebay or Amazon. Cowboom is selling this used for $291 right now. A few days ago it was $185. Cowboom cycles it's sales. What's been on sale on Cowboom will be on sale again until they run out. The cool thing about Cowboom is the 30 day return policy. You can return or exchange it for any reason within that 30 days. Everything I've gotten from Cowboom has had a few months left on the factory warranty.

i'll check the g3 size, but thought it was a tad big. Seeing that some have complained about a red dot flare issue on the e-pl2, so that may be dropping a point or two, but i do agree the 7 minute clip is sounding like a long enough chunk of video. I am surprised more folks havent stepped up saying the GX1 is the way to go.

Just to clarify things, the camera will be used for at least 90-95% for still photo, dont need an intense video camera.

keep on keepin on, i love the responsiveness here people

I'm not personally a fan of the G3, but it hits your points pretty well grandeson. As far as size goes, you need to be the judge, but most of these cameras are not "pocketable", save for maybe the E-PM1 or GF3 with 14/2.5.

If I were in your shoes with a $700 budget I'd get a GX1 from Amazon marketplace for $325 and a 20/1.7. With a $500 - $600 budget maybe GF3 + or GF2 combo deal and the 20/1.7. Check out Cameta Camera, and the Hot Deals threads here. I'd really want a fast lens like the 20/1.7 with a newborn. I don't think on camera flash will get the job done very well.

I would buy refurb, open box or used on this forum with little hesitation. I've had great luck with all of those options.

Welcome aboard, BTW, and congrats on the little one.

think i may wait a week or so listening to you guys, but Im not going to over analyze like I said. Im thinking the evf may be ok to put on the backburner right now. I know Im really all over the place now. and a mention of a hack to boot, this is getting juicy, i hate you guys.lol and thanks for the congrats on the little one, the greatest thing in the world.

I have to agree with this. On-camera flash just isn't going to make memories the way a faster lens will. If you can grab a $300-400 camera with decent noise control in the 1600-3200 ISO range, that plus the 20/1.7 should be a winning combo.

The E-PM1 will only record 7 min of motion-jpeg HD format, but will record 22 min of Full HD Fine in AVCHD format. Perhaps that's the best compromise?

__________________
OM-D E-M5 || O12-50 | P45-175 | P100-300 | PL25 | O45
Adapted: Minolta MD 28/2.8 Celtic, MD 35/1.8, MD 50/1.4, MD 85/2.0, MD 200/2.8, Nikon 100/2.8 E
Wish List: GH3, 12/2.0, 17/1.8, 75/1.8, Oly ZD FT SHG 300/2.8
Pentax K-5, K-01 || 18-135 WR | Sigma 30/1.4

not sure what you mean by the 22 mins of video..... is that of a lesser quality? is it a hack? if thats the case, the Oly E-PL2 gets rejuvinated, but the red dot flare may be enough to avoid.

I do think the G3 suggested is too big for what I would like. so Im tossing that out of the equation, right now a new Panny GX1 may be leading the pack.

Keep it coming my friends

Size comparison

Compare camera dimensions side by side

odd, my reply wasnt posted, probably my fault. the size comparison seems to omit the size of the viewfinder, just looking at the pics the debth looks substantially bigger, almost halfway tothe depth of the evolt 510 im coming from. I know im exxagerating a little, but if Im selling the 510 for smaller, I want to go all in and get something small and capable. Think Panasonic has just too many models. Thought the suggested older GF2 has just caught my eye, words of wisdom?

If you are thinking of oly epl2 Costco.com has it for 299.99 with 14-42mm kit lens and memory card.

yeah, its damn costco thats making this so hard for offering for so low, thats the $330 shipped to my door. Without over analyzing I think Im just going to go with Panasonic GX1. Its a fairly new model with an upgraded sensor, had the pop up flash and the video recording capability and is regarded fairly well. I dont think I will find a better all around camera for my needs for $530 to my door, I just dont.

If it wasn't for the red dot flare on the Oly and the video length I think I'd do that, especially since Costco is my favorite place to buy things from. I'm even willing to overlook the limited video time, but the red dots are a bit much in some of the photos that I have seen.